The HMMWV (Humvee) has been the military’s go-to utility vehicle for years. It rides higher than most trucks without being the tallest, which allows for a large cargo area.
This custom Humvee rolled across the Scottsdale auction block on Saturday at Barrett-Jackson. It’s been transformed by Danton Arts Kustoms and Frenchy Export. Click the Custom Humvee to know more.
The sale of this custom Humvee at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale is more than just a transaction, it’s a testament to automotive ingenuity. Michigan’s Mil-Spec Automotive waved the Stars and Stripes with this blinged-out 4×4, turning the utilitarian Army vehicle into a true off-road powerhouse. Starting with the base military HMMWV, MSA swapped out its anemic Detroit Diesel engine for one that’s capable of throwing down 1,000 lb-ft of torque. The result is a beastly armored workhorse that’s ready for anything the Apocalypse might throw its way.
The original drivetrain was ripped out in favor of a new, 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel that’s mated to a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission sending power to all six wheels. An auxiliary cooler, performance radiator and intercooler round out the upgrades under the hood that boosts output to an estimated 500 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque.
To keep things in check, the suspension was upgraded to FOX 2.0 performance shocks, a custom-valved steering system with a high-flow hydraulic pump and custom tie rods. The wheels are massive 27-inch BFG KM2 tires that are paired to Brembo brakes that can easily slow this behemoth on a steep 6% grade.
A few other touches make this Humvee more comfortable and useful for civilians than soldiers, including a fully custom interior featuring power accessories, a 450-watt Bazooka soundbar and a MOMO steering wheel. The exterior is also improved with a set of custom rock skid plates and front bumper guards.
The final touch is an aerodynamic spoiler aircraft wing that looks like it came off a modern F1 car and makes this HMMWV look more like something you’d see in a war movie than in the desert. With all the added muscle, this Humvee can now accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 43 seconds and fly to 87 MPH if it weren’t for its limited tire speed rating. That’s still more than enough for a fun day off-roading. The seller says this is the only H1 in existence and that it’s a perfect example of how versatile the Army vehicle really is.
Body
When you think of a Humvee, you probably imagine it carrying solders across the desert and into war zones. The rugged offroad vehicles have become synonymous with military might and have even inspired the popular civilian Hummer brand. But the original HMMWV, a product of defense contractor AM General, is no ordinary vehicle. Designed to meet the Army’s rigorous requirements, the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) has been tested by rocky hills, deep sand, 60in-deep water and arctic snow. It is a beast that can go anywhere and do anything, which makes it the perfect platform for extreme customization.
A perfect example of this can be found at Michigan’s Mil-Spec Automotive, a shop that waves the Stars and Stripes in its custom Humvee creations. To make this one-of-a-kind vehicle, the team swapped out the anemic Detroit Diesel engine and installed a more powerful 500-horsepower, 1,000lb-ft 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. They also raised the truck by 3” and added a set of Black Rhino beadlock wheels with 37” Cooper Discoverer STR Pro tires. The cockpit is decked out with a Momo Prototipo steering wheel, JL Audio Premium Audio marine grade amplifier and a heated windshield.
The factory-correct Military Green body was handcrafted in all-aluminum and metal. The Humvee’s roof was chopped and the rear section cut down, not only to refine the shape but also to accommodate the 6×6 chassis configuration. The vehicle is equipped with power steering and 6-wheel disc brakes, as well as a modern LCD cluster. It is a combination of military-grade toughness and today’s automotive technology that is unmatched.
It is difficult to put a price on a vehicle this unique and this capable, but you can be sure it is not cheap. The HMMWV is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of American engineering, and while it may be replaced in the future by something fancy called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), this mighty offroader will live on forever as an icon of American power.
Interior
The HMMWV, or Humvee, as it is commonly known, was originally designed to keep soldiers safe and mobile in the most hostile environments. While these vehicles aren’t usually equipped with creature comforts like air conditioning and power seats, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own unique style and functionality. Whether you’re looking to add more comfort or more convenience to your HMMWV, there are plenty of customization options available that can help make your vehicle stand out from the rest.
One of the most common ways to customize a Humvee is by upgrading the interior. This can include seat upgrades for added comfort, a modern dashboard, custom storage solutions, and more. These interior modifications can be a great way to personalize your HMMWV and reflect your own personality and style.
For example, this heavily modified HMMWV from the team at Black Dog Customs features a modern dash kit made of carbon fiber and black leather. The custom-built dashboard features a built-in GPS system and is designed to accommodate SpeedHut’s Humvee gauges (not included). This upgrade can be a simple and affordable way to give your Humvee a stylish new look, while also adding functionality and utility to your vehicle.
Another popular way to customize the interior of a Humvee is by installing custom floor mats and liners. These durable and easy-to-clean accessories can protect your vehicle’s interior from dirt, mud, and other debris that can easily ruin the look of your vehicle. They can also enhance the durability and life of your vehicle’s flooring.
Other popular interior upgrades for a Humvee include a custom-designed dashboard, a rear seat camera, and upgraded audio systems. These modifications can help increase the resale value of your vehicle and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Regardless of how you decide to customize your Humvee, it’s important to work with a company that uses high-quality materials and experienced technicians. This will ensure that your modifications are done correctly and will last for the long term. This will also ensure that your HMMWV is safe and secure while driving on rough terrain.
Exterior
When the military Humvee first came on the scene in 1983, it quickly made its presence felt in battles all over the world. When the civilian version of this SUV was launched as the Hummer, it too became a huge success and has since become the focus of custom garages from all over the world that try to make these badass vehicles their own.
The team at Danton Arts Kustoms and their partner Frenchy Export took a 2009 AM General military Humvee and turned it into a 6×6 masterpiece. The exterior is still heavily reminiscent of the original, but with a much more rugged and extreme look. All six wheels are capped with off-road inspired tires that spin beneath a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine with 717hp connected to a 4L80E automatic transmission. A spoiler wing that is a custom-modified real aircraft wing adds an extra element of flair to this already stunning build.
GlobalTrans Vehicles, LLC DBA HUMMER1 is not affiliated with AM General or GM and does not represent them in any way. This website is for reference only.